Major workplace injury rate hits record low in first half of 2026, but fatal injury rate rises: MOM

Singapore recorded a record low major workplace injury rate in the first half of 2026, but workplace fatalities rose to 21 during the period, according to a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) report published on Tuesday (Sept 8).

The annualised major injury rate, excluding platform workers, fell from 15.8 per 100,000 workers in the first half of 2025 to 14.6 in the first half of 2026.

However, the annualised overall fatal injury rate rose to 1.1 per 100,000 workers, up from 0.97 in the first half of 2025 and 0.96 in the second half of 2025.

Vehicular incidents were the leading cause of workplace fatalities, accounting for nine deaths in the first half of 2026.

The rise in fatalities prompted MOM — with the support of the Multi-Agency Workplace Safety and Health Taskforce (MAST)  — to step up workplace safety measures after seven workers died over four weeks in late May and June.

These included enhanced penalties and a two-week nationwide voluntary Safety Time-Out, which MOM said helped curb the rise in fatal injuries.

Construction sector sees fewer workplace injuries

The construction sector saw an improvement in its workplace safety performance in the first half of 2026, with its annualised fatal and major injury rate falling from 27.6 per 100,000 workers in the same period last year to 24.1.

This was the sector's lowest rate since 2020.

The absolute number of fatal and major injuries in construction also fell from 75 in the first half of 2025 to 69 in the same period this year.

The improvement was driven mainly by regular construction works, where fatal and major injuries fell from 26 in the first half of 2025 to 19 in the first half of 2026.

However, smaller-scale construction works, including additions and alterations and renovation projects, accounted for 70 per cent of the sector's fatal and major injuries in the first half of 2026.

MOM said it is reviewing measures to strengthen deterrence and accountability among contractors undertaking such works.

Vehicular incidents remain a key concern

While workplace safety performance improved in several areas, vehicular incidents remained a major concern, particularly among platform workers.

Of the 44 fatal and major injuries involving platform workers in the first half of 2026, 38 were linked to vehicular incidents.

Despite this, the annualised fatal and major injury rate among platform workers improved from 95.9 per 100,000 workers in the first half of 2025 to 92.1 in the first half of 2026.

To strengthen efforts to address vehicular and traffic risks at workplaces, MAST has been expanded to include the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Traffic Police.

The Platform Worker Safety Workgroup, formed in March 2026, is also studying measures including training, support for safer driving and riding behaviours, safety technology, and data collection and analysis.

The workgroup is expected to complete its work by the end of 2026.

Rise in fatal injuries a serious concern

Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash said that the all-time low in major injuries reflected the hard work of employers, workers and safety professionals.

But the rise in fatal injuries, particularly those involving vehicular incidents, remain a serious concern.

The minister of state noted that the Government had taken steps including a voluntary Safety Time-Out, while strengthening workplace safety and health (WSH) ownership and accountability more broadly.

"Employers and workers must continue to stay vigilant and make workplace safety and health a priority every day," he said.

MOM said it is reviewing further measures to strengthen workplace safety ownership and accountability, including tougher enforcement and a review of the bizSAFE programme to better reflect companies' actual workplace safety and health performance.

The ministry will also place greater emphasis on training and progressive safety practices.

It will continue working with unions, employers, industry partners, MAST and other government agencies to drive improvements in workplace safety and health.

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helmy.saat@asiaone.com